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While the South has Reading, the North has Leeds, same line-up on different days. Simple isn’t it, we all get what we want without having to travel too far.
With our focus on Leeds and the joys it brings it seems 2011 has proved once again that an eclectic line up with its scuzzy rock edge is appealing to the masses. With six arenas embossed by the likes the BBC Introducing and the NME alongside the main stage fit to burst and with the introduction of a dance area it seems that Leeds and its sister Reading are set to explode into musical mayhem over August Bank Holiday weekend.
Since we all know what goes on at Leeds, here’s the lowdown on Purple Revolver’s picks for the weekend:
Friday
As tents are pitched, cider is slowly warming and wellies are worn (no we can’t guarantee what the weather will be like) there’s a whole heap of music to be seen and heard.
From the BBC Introducing Stage and the likes of the Rizzle Kicks and Ham Sandwich, there’s music to be explored. Having launched the careers of a multitude of bands over the past few years you could be finding next year’s headliners here.
More main stream wise there’s Fucked Up on the NME/Radio 1 stage. This Canadian hardcore punk band, are no strangers to carnage, loudness and narrating life’s little disturbances. Festival Republic stage sees indie post-punk band R O M A N C E and hitting up the Main Stage headliner are a band who need very little introduction, it’s Muse. Expect loudness, pyrotechnics and squealing guitars. Though if all this loudness is making your ears bleed slightly check out the Dance Arena where festival favourites 2ManyDJ’s are set to stir up the masses into a French style dance-frenzy. Mash-ups and beats are the order of the night here and with late night music a plenty it’s a good way to dance until dawn.
Saturday
We’re predicting a few sore heads, a few blisters from newly worn wellies and yes even more music, well it is a festival.
The Deftones take to the main stage with their metal infused epicness with My Chemical Romance headlining it’s a good start to the proceedings.
Venturing around, The Naked and Famous as well as Leeds’ own Pulled Apart by Horses take to the NME/Radio 1 stage. Don Broco aim to please on the BBC Introducing stage. Comedian Tim Minchin is set to amuse with his highly laughable act on the Alternative Stage. While the rest of the festival mounts up in escapades we’ll be at the front checking out D/R/U/G/S and Simian Mobile Disco at the Dance Arena.
Sunday
The final day of any festival is always the one with surprises and an air of anticipation especially as those pessimists among us are slightly perturbed by the fact it is the final day. Though Leeds Sunday offers the pinnacle in festival line ups: headliners Pulp will no doubt be the band on every one’s mind…20000 people in a field n’ all that. Preceded by the likes of The Strokes, the main stage will no doubt will see people squashed in at the front, middle and rear.
Further around the site the NME/Radio 1 stage has talent of the finest: Glassjaw, The Kills and the Funeral Party will be tearing it up in a guitar hero escapade. While once again the BBC introducing set about with their up and coming talent masses with Leeds based Castrovalva.
Advice: The easiest thing to do at any festival is simply wander and take in the sights and sounds, you’ll never know what you’ll discover music wise or in a simply social capacity.
Leeds Festival I’m counting on you to provide us with delights left, right and centre… bring it on!